$25,000 draft deferment employment scheme uncovered in Zakarpattia
In Transcarpathia, the head of the legal department of the Lviv Higher Private Medical University and the director of the local branch of a private medical college were reported suspected of receiving a bribe.
According to the investigation, the suspects fictitiously employed conscripted men for administrative positions at a private medical college for $25,000. This provided grounds for receiving a deferment from mobilization as employees of an educational institution.
This was reported on the Facebook page of the SBU in the Transcarpathian region.
According to the SBU, to create the appearance of official employment, the "employees" were to come to the educational institution once a week and simulate the performance of official duties. They handed over the bank cards on which their salaries were accrued to the organizers of the scheme.
In addition, the suspects demanded another 4,500 hryvnias from their clients every month, allegedly to compensate for tax expenses related to fictitious employment. If they refused, they threatened to fire them, which automatically deprived the men of their right to a deferral.
One of the organizers was detained in Uzhhorod while receiving a $25,000 bribe. Law enforcement officers also exposed his accomplice, the director of the local branch of a private medical college.
Both defendants were informed of suspicion under Part 4 of Article 368-3 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (obtaining an unlawful benefit by an official for himself or a third party using the powers granted to him, committed by prior conspiracy by a group of persons).
The sanction of the article provides for up to 12 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property and deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities.
